Happy New Year to all

Transcription

1 For the members, family and friends of the Downey Adventist Church Memorizing Bible Verses by Cary Fisher Happy New Year to all of you! I will always have fond memories of 2014 because of the special moments that my family has had with this wonderful church. We can only expect that 2015 will be a year filled with even more meaningful moments. This year, we are going to do something new. Each week, we will memorize a different verse of the Bible. After all, knowing and sharing the Word are important parts of the spiritual growth of a Christian, and as a church; we should be committed to deepening our Bible knowledge. For example, are you ever in a situation where you ve wanted to quote scripture to someone but only to find yourself not being able to recite the particular scripture by memory? Memorizing verses will give us great confidence as we share our faith with others. Peter wrote, Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Having scripture memorized is being prepared. It will also help with our day to day walk with the Lord. We can reflect on our memorized texts throughout the day while we face the challenges of life. Here are some hints to help you memorize your Bible verses. You can start continued on page 1 Pray without Ceasing The more we pray, the more we shall want to pray. The more we pray, the more we can pray. The more we pray, the more we shall pray. He who prays little will pray less, but he who prays much will pray more. And he who prays more will desire to pray more abundantly. C.H. Spurgeon Community CREATION Health Series tarting Wednesday, January 7th at S 7pm, we ll be going through the series CREATION Health. This is a video series that will help us understand God s 8 principles for living life to the fullest. CREATION Health is about total person wellness - and wellness is more than health or the absence of disease. Wellness is wholeness. It s about being fit mentally, physically, socially and spiritually. It s about getting the most from life and fulfilling our God-given potential during the process. Invite your friends to this 10 week series. = INSIDE Go Nut for Your Health page 3 Taste & Inspiration on page 5 Giving page 5 What s happening? see pages 6 & 9 Our Church Family page 7 Kid s Page on page 9

2 THE LATEST WORD Memorizing Verses (cont. from page 1) 2 by writing them down, perhaps in your journals that you got from our last small groups. Also, be sure to say your verses repeatedly out loud. You can include them in your prayers, or even make them into scripture songs. Don t forget to keep your verse with you throughout your day, and again, repeat them over and over. Each week we will hand out a new memory verse at church that you can keep on your memory verse ring. I am excited for this challenge. It can have a deep impact on the overall spirituality of our church. In the book of wisdom, it says, My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of Memorizing verses will give us great confidence as we share our faith with others. your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 7:1-3). May we all have God s Word written in our hearts. January s Sermon Calendar January 3rd - The Opposite is True - We are starting a new year with a sermon series surrounding Jesus Sermon on the Mount. We begin with the Beatitudes to show that the Christian life is very different than our culture s view on how to live. January 10th - Let it Shine - After the Beatitudes, Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This sermon will focus on how we can have a greater impact on others to insure that we are always bright and salty. January 17th - Love for our Enemies - During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus asks us to love and pray for our enemies. Jesus is telling us our need to be able to forgive those that have harmed us. This Sabbath, we will reflect on how our anger or bitterness, can create a distance in our relationship with God. January 24th - Where Are Your Treasures? - This is a message on our giving to the Lord and how it reflects on where our treasures are. The reality is that everything that we have comes from God, and I believe he gives us so we can learn the gift of generosity. January 31st - Living in Peace - In the Sermon on the Mount, we hear Jesus say, Don t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. We believe in the power of God and his love for us, so our last sermon of this series will hopefully show us how to cope with our worries by ultimately trusting in God. See you when the church gathers. = WE DID IT The Latest Word V 27 N 01 BILL AUMACK responsible for this LINDA AUMACK copy editor LAURA LUNA paper distribution CARY FISHER pastor address mail to: Downey Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd. Downey, CA office: fax: downeychurch@gmail.com distributed monthly issue date: Jan copyright

3 January 2015 The Stewpot by Gordon Botting, DrPh, CHES, CFC As a kid, nuts were a luxury in our home, and we only had them on special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas because nuts were expensive in the 1950s. In the last twenty years, nutritional experts cautioned us to avoid nuts or use them sparingly because they are high in calories and fat. Even today, the average American consumes only three quarters of an ounce per day, and only a third of us eat any type of nuts at all on a given day. Europeans consume about 1.1 ounces per day and an even higher consumption in Mediterranean countries. 1 Nuts were part of the Edenic diet. Records of ancient civilizations describe the first trail mix of ground almonds and Worship Schedule January 3 Cary Fisher The Opposite is True January 10 Cary Fisher Let it Shine January 17 Cary Fisher Love for our Enemies Go Nuts for Your Health January 24 Cary Fisher Where Are Your Treasures January 31 Cary Fisher Living in Peace pistachios with chopped dates, sesame oil, and bread crumbs. Almonds were discovered in the famous Tutankhamen s tomb and in pyramids of other pharaohs of Egypt. In the last two decades food science has focused on the health benefits of nuts for the prevention of cardio disease and more recently, on protecting bones and combating diabetes. If you want a simple way to live longer, eating a handful of nuts a day may be the right answer. In a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers followed 119,000 men and women for three decades. The study showed that those who ate walnuts, almonds, and other nuts seven or more times a week were 20 percent less likely to die from any cause during these 30 years than those who didn t eat nuts. Overall, nuts are low in carbohydrates and rich in good fats (mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids), fiber, vitamin E, and protein. 2 The majority of foods we describe as nuts are tree nuts which are seeds or dried fruits from trees. Tree nuts include walnut, almond, cashew, hazelnut (also called filbert), Brazil nut, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, chestnut (starchier and contains different micronutrients), and pine nut. The one exception in the world of nuts is the peanut, which is actually a legume that grows in the ground like peas and beans. The peanut commands two-thirds of U.S. nut market. 3 Cracking Open the Health Benefits of Nuts According to Dr. Jeffery Blumberg, director of Tufts University HNRCA Antioxidants Research Laboratory, nuts are excellent sources of vitamin E and magnesium. For example, over 90 percent of us don t get enough dietary vitamin E which is needed for protection against oxidative damage to our cells and assists in immune functions. If you analyze the average American diet, it is difficult to get enough of this vitamin without going overboard on fats. However, consumption of almonds and sunflower seeds solves both the calorie intake and the vitamin problem. When it comes to magnesium, over 80 percent of Americans lack this important element. Eating nuts high in magnesium (Brazil nuts, almonds, and cashews) can decrease your risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. 4 To give us an idea of the real value of nuts in relation to chronic diseases and overall health, I have taken the liberty to emphasize just one nut the walnut. Walnut s Surprising Benefits Walnut growers often continued on page 4 3

4 THE LATEST WORD Go Nuts for Your Health (cont.) 4 Over 90 percent of us don t get enough dietary vitamin E which is needed for protection against oxidative damage to our cells and assists in immune functions. Eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day... may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. market the walnut as a whole food with wholebody benefits or an essential food for health. The FDA enhanced these logos, stating in 2004 that supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet, and not resulting in increased caloric intake may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. 5 Further evidence of the health benefits of walnuts was recently shown in a heart-health test by Loma Linda University researchers. They recruited 25 adults with normal to mildly high cholesterol and tested them with three different diets for four weeks. These control diets included a diet with no nuts or fish, a diet of moderate amount of walnuts, and a regimen of two servings of salmon per week. The conclusions as reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed the consumption of the walnut diet reduced both the total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In addition, the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL ( good ) was found to be the lowest in the walnut group. 6 Other studies have shown walnut s possible health benefits in both diabetes and cancer. In the now famous Nurses Health Study, women who ate a minimum of five ounces of nuts per week were least likely to develop type 2 diabetes during the study s 16-year follow-up. Researchers at Marshall University School of Medicine found that mice had a significantly lower risk of cancer when they were fed the human equivalent of two ounces of walnuts daily. These particular mice were bred to develop breast cancer but when fed a walnut diet their rate of malignancy was cut in half. In a presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research s annual meeting, the lead researcher stated, Walnuts contain multiple ingredients that, individually, have been shown to slow cancer growth, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and phytosterols. 7 As stewards of our health and lifestyle, let s add a handful of nuts to our daily diet and certainly enjoy them as part of our heart-healthy snacks this Christmas Season. = References: 1 Nuts for You, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, Special Supplement, May 2012, p Daily Handful of Nuts Linked to Lower Mortality Risk, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, March Nuts for You, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, Special Supplement, May 2012, p Ibid. 5 Walnuts May Benefit Heart & Brain, Even Fight Cancer, Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, July 2009, p.6. 6 Ibid. 7 Ibid.

5 Taste & Inspiration Russian Roasted Potatoes With Mushrooms 1.0 sprigs fresh thyme Ingredients 1.5 lbs potatoes scrubbed and cut into 1 inch chunks 1.0 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1.0 lbs fresh white mushrooms halved or quartered if large 6.0 garlic cloves skins on 4.0 large shallots quartered 1.0 sprigs fresh rosemary salt to taste pepper to taste Directions Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Toss potatoes and olive oil in a 13x9x2 inch roasting pan and roast uncovered for 20 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, garlic, shallots and herbs and roast for another 20 minutes or until everything is golden brown. Toss and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Enjoy! = January 2015 Pilar & Phillip Giving by Celene Aispuro What is the least expensive gift you can give? Maybe it s something you don t buy, maybe it s some of your time, a listening ear, a hand to someone who needs help, or maybe just a smile. There are many things we give that don t require money at all. During these days full of festivities, gift searching, and gift giving we tend to forget that the simplest of all the gifts we can give is that of ourselves. When I was a college freshman, I joined my brother for spring break in Santa Barbara. One afternoon as I walked down the streets with an acquaintance, we came across a homeless gentleman sitting on the sidewalk resting by the wall of a small business with his arm stretched out. As we passed by, I looked at the gentleman. A smile please was all he requested. I automatically smiled at him. I saw him smile back and his eyes light up with happiness. The person walking with me asked Why did you smile at him? My reply was simple, He asked me to smile so I did. I had nothing else to give Friday, January 2nd, 7:00pm him so I gave him what I had. I have never forgotten that day and that exact moment. I felt wonderful! I felt that I had given him what he needed that day. It was what I needed too. Whether we can or can t get the gifts we want for our family and friends this season, we can give of ourselves, of our time, of our smile, and share our love with them and all those around us even if we don t know them. Our Lord gave of himself freely and set the greatest example for us. Why not be like He is and give of ourselves too. Let s make this New Year and every day of the year one full of giving. = 5

6 Downey Adventist Church Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Visit S.S. Sabbath School C.S. Community Service :56 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 7 pm Agape Feast 3 pm Pathfinders 9 am Pathfinders :02 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 11 7 pm Wed. Fellowship pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Band Practice 5:08 pm sunset 7 pm Band Practice 8:30 am Breakfast 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 3 pm Pathfinders :15 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Church Board 7 pm Band Practice :22 pm sunset 9:30 am S.S. 10:50 am Worship Pastor Cary 7 pm Wed. Fellowship 7 pm Band Practice

7 January 2015 Upcoming Events January Birthdays Janeth Cuyuch-Perez 1 Virginia Hinojosa 4 Irela Molina 4 Sergio Garcia 9 Isabel Molina 13 Becky Duran 18 Elissa Luna 19 Esteban Torres 21 Alejandro Zamora 22 Cary Fisher 27 Yesenia Molina 28 Lourdes Ortega 30 Sara Rivas 31 If your birthday is left out in the monthly newsletter, please contact the church office so we can put it in. Wednesday - 7 p.m. Wed. Fellowship Fridays - 7:00 p.m. Band Practice Jan. 2 - Agape Feast 7pm Jan pm Jan am Jan. 7 - CREATION Health 7pm Jan Breakfast 8:30 to 9:30 am Jan pm Jan Church 7pm The Latest Word deadline is the 5th of the month. Be sure to keep up with the latest news by signing up for the Wednesday . You can sign up here or send us an at DowneyChurch at gmail dot com and we ll add you. April - Small Groups Coming Soon 7

8 8 THE LATEST WORD The Latest About Our Church Family Congratulations to Debbie Martinez. She joined our family by profession of faith. By sure to welcome her to the family. Joanna Fisher was inducted into the Pathfinder club. Be sure to congratulate her! We d like to extend a big thank you to Linda Bewley for her many years of articles in The Latest Word. Her series, God, Webster and You, was a staple of The Latest Word. It was a much loved series. Linda is taking a break for a while. Resolve to Listen Christian philosopher Paul Tillich said, The first responsibility of love is to listen. Yet in our fast-paced culture, truly listening to someone has become a lost art. The intricate Chinese written character for the verb to listen offers wise insight about how to listen to people so they feel heard. The symbol is actually a combination of characters for ears, eyes and an open heart. Basically it reads, I give you my ears, my eyes and my undivided attention. What a great image of being fully engaged during the act of communication! James 1:19 offers two wise resolutions for the year ahead: Be quick to listen and slow to speak (NRSV). Practicing the skill of active listening is a much-needed way to minister to other people, serving as Jesus ears in a hurting world. = If you have any Church Family news, please contact the church office so we can get it into the newsletter. = Thank you to everyone who has been saving Box Tops for Education. That is greatly appreciated. For the Box Tops for Education, please save the Box Tops coupon. Please give your labels to Linda Aumack. Thank you for your support! = A Well-Balanced Church The owner of a new puppy got a good laugh when the little dog, out for a walk, had an itch. The trouble was that the itchy spot was accessible only to a hind leg. So, while still walking, the pup tried to scratch and tumbled over, rolling a couple of times before coming to rest. In several places throughout Scripture, the apostle Paul writes about the church as the body of Christ, and of the importance of each member. Just as the dog needed each leg to stay balanced while walking, so the church needs all the different God-given gifts of its members: preachers and teachers, friendly visitors, generous givers, musicians and singers, wise parents and imaginative children, people to produce and distribute meals, newsletters, lesson materials, and on and on. When we start thinking that some part of Christ s body isn t necessary, we risk taking quite a tumble! =

9 January

10 January 2015 Ponder This... = What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year. Vern McLellan = If God were small enough to be understood, he would not be big enough to be worshiped. Evelyn Underhill = We don t stop playing because we get old; we get old because we stop playing. attributed to George Bernard Shaw = A day without laughter is a day wasted. Charlie Chaplin Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church 9820 Lakewood Blvd., Downey CA DATED MATERIAL Return Service Requested 10